Web Design Usability Standards
When it comes to the Internet, there are a certain number of standards for usability that visitors have come to expect (consciously or not). Items as simple as a hyperlink being underlined. Web designers often define their own standards for a site, such as making a hyperlink bold with no underline. The text may stand out and link still works but you've asked your visitors to think outside the established norms and many will fail to recognize the link, missing valuable information.
We will not spend a lot of time defining all usability standards as it applies to web designs but we will highlight a few that will make your website convert at a higher rate.
- Be clear with your navigation so that visitors know what they will find before they click.
- "About Us" is more clear and concise than Team, Leadership, or Partners;
- "Contact Us" clearly states the following page will have everything you need to reach our staff;
- "Add to Cart", "View Cart", and "Checkout" are the norm;
- "Products" and "Services" are a better choice than "The Widget Difference".
- Navigation buttons should be obvious.
- Prominent navigation should be at the top or left of the screen. If you place navigation on the right there will be visitors who need to scroll their window to use it.
- Buttons should look like buttons. Don't let visitors confuse an item that should be clicked with items that are for looks.
- Underline text links.
- Give every page a clear call to action. Either highlight products, services or ask visitors to contact you for more information.
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